(CNN) -- Second seed Venus Williams crashed out of the French Open with a straight sets defeat to Nadia Petrova of Russia in their fourth round clash in Paris on Sunday.
Williams, a runner-up at Roland Garros in 2002 and hoping to meet her sister Serena in the final, was beaten 6-3 6-4 to Petrova, the 19th seed, on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Petrova, who ended the hopes of home hope Aravane Rezai in the previous round, saved two break points at a crucial stage in the first set before converting the chance that came her way to take an early advantage.
Williams broke early in the second set, but lost her own service twice to fall into deep trouble.
The Russian was 5-3 and 30-0 up on Williams's serve when she made two unforced errors, but she converted her first match point with a fine forehand to progress to the quarterfinals.
